“It's Difficult to Explain”–The Compromise of Moral Agency for Victims of Abuse by Religious Leaders

ABSTRACT The compromise of moral agency is misunderstood as a causal factor in the exploitation of adult women by their male pastors. As a result judicatory representatives, church members and even victims themselves assume blame for abuse perpetrated by trusted religious leaders. This article presents several key factors contributing to the erosion of a woman's ability to make moral choices when an influential religious leader misuses the power and authority of their office to distort religious, biblical and spiritual truths.